The Memphis Grizzlies are incredibly shorthanded due to injures.
So shorthanded, in fact, that they’re getting to use a hardship signing to add a new player.
Charles Bassey will be signing under the hardship exception, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The rule allows a team to temporarily add a 16th man when at least four players have missed three consecutive games and are expected to be sidelined for at least two more weeks.
According to Charania, the Grizzlies have four such players: Ty Jerome, Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke and Scotty Pippen Jr.
Bassey is the guy who gets the short-term contract in the meantime.
He was once the No. 9 recruit in the Class of 2018, but he didn’t shine as bright as expected in college at Western Kentucky and ended up being the No. 53 overall pick in 2021.
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Bassey has since suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs.
In 113 NBA games, he has played 11.1 minutes per night, averaging 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds.
He doesn’t shoot from outside at all but is a 63.1% field goal shooter overall in the NBA.
Bassey is 6-foot-10 and turns 25 on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
The Grizzlies have been starting Jock Landale at center, and Bassey will line up behind him on the depth chart.
The Bassey hardship contract lasts for 10 days, but he can be signed to another one if the Grizzlies still fit the eligibility when those first 10 days are up.
For now, Bassey will try to make the most of this next chance for him in the NBA.
